Southern California -- this just in

Fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles, officials remind residents

Los Angeles officials had a few words of warning for Angelenos as they finalize their Fourth of July plans for Wednesday.

"I want everyone to have a good time," Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings said. "But remember: Fireworks of any kind are illegal in the city of Los Angeles."

Cummings joined City Council members Bernard Parks and Jan Perry outside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at a news conference Monday, where the three urged residents to partake in Fourth of July festivities by watching city-sanctioned displays.

"We know the dangers of illegal fireworks, that children can be hurt and fires can be started," Perry said. "This year, as we continue to deal with drought issues and temperatures continue to rise, it’s more imperative that we join forces to ensure that this holiday is safe."

All fireworks — including "safe and sane" fireworks allowed in some area cities — have been banned in Los Angeles since 1942, Cummings said in a statement last week. The holiday is "one of the busiest days of the year" for emergency workers, he said, with most calls stemming from illegal fireworks use.

Parks mentioned another potential danger on Monday, reminding citizens that "what goes up must come down," and warning them not to fire guns into the air during celebrations.

The Coliseum will play host to its 10th annual Fourth of July celebration, featuring an hour-long fireworks display beginning about 9 p.m. The Rose Bowl will also host its 86th annual Americafest, which concludes with what organizers call "the biggest fireworks show in Southern California," also beginning about 9 p.m.

A list compiled by The Times of other fireworks shows in the area can be found online.